65,000 chase 600 apprentice gas fitter jobs

The 100-to-1 ratio of applicants to openings has been caused by surging youth unemployment, boosted by graduates and mid-career professionals

British Gas has received more than 65,000 applications for 600 gas fitter
apprenticeships. The scheme pays £5,000 a year, plus expenses, to train
staff to repair boilers and radiators.

The 100-to-1 ratio of applicants to openings, twice the usual ratio, has been
caused by surging youth unemployment, boosted by graduates and mid-career
professionals searching for jobs. Most applicants are aged between 20 and
26, although British Gas said some were in their fifties.

The company has five academies — in Leicester, Leeds, Thatcham in Berkshire,
Dartford in Kent and Hamilton near Glasgow.

Of the 600 new apprentices, 500 will be service and repair engineers, 50 will
specialise in central heating systems and 50 will carry out electrical
engineering. Once they have been trained, apprentices are guaranteed a job
with a starting salary of £24,000.

This compares with a minimum £21,100 for a newly qualified teacher or £18,590
for a trainee solicitor.